Inspiring you on your Business Journey

The Whole Nine Months

Tell us your name and a bit about your family? When did you become a Mum and to whom?

My name is Lauren, I’m a mum of 4. The first being born in 1996 when I was a young mum at 23 and the last being born 2012 when I became an old mum. I have Stanley (20) Jess (boy 17) Darcy (girl 12) and Ace (4)

I started out only a couple of months ago with this business but I have been a doula for 4 years, supporting pregnant women throughout their pregnancy and birth. And I noticed how often the mum gets left behind in the excitement of having a new baby and all focus tends to go onto the newborn. I think pregnancy is a time where mums to be should feel considered, nurtured and celebrated so I put together carefully thought out gift boxes to do just that.

How did you fund your start up?

I’m really enjoying it (most of the time). It’s exciting and nerve racking all at the same time but my passion for making pregnant women feel good overrides my worries. It’s hard work but I know it’s needed.

How do you manage working around your children?

I work late nights, early mornings and in between the school run and the house, but I manage. It’s easier when it’s something you love doing (the business not the housework)Can you describe a typical day, what tasks do you have to get done, how do you manage your time?

Today, I cleaned the downstairs loo before breakfast, done the school run, cut the lawn, met a couple of ladies for networking, done some work at the desk, cleaned another bathroom, done some washing, done another school run and back at my desk for a bit before dinner. I just seem to fit things in where I can, it works.What challenges have you faced in your business and how have you overcome them?

I find running my own business quite isolating at times, when them times hit I either arrange to meet a friend or go to a cafe and be around people, just people watching. I also find the responsibility for decision making hard and when that happens I tune into my instincts, they usually give me the answer.

What’s the best thing about being Mumpreneur?

Working around my family and feeling like I’m helping other women feel good, the women buying gifts for friends feel good, the women receiving the gifts feel good, in turn I feel good. I like being a positive role model to my kids and contributing financially.

What are your plans for the future?

To grow the business to a recognisable trusted brand. To grow my community, and to keep loving what I’m doing.

What advice would you give for someone just starting out in business?

Get a good business mentor, it can be lonely at times and scary at others, having someone who you can discuss things with and find solutions whilst being supported is really special and important. You can’t know all their is to know about running a business and that’s ok, so it’s a great idea to get someone on board who does.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?

I’m a keen blogger, I blog for Huffington Post and on my business’ website, my doula one and The Whole 9 Months. I like The Kardashians, wine and sleep, usually in that order.